The proposed measure to reimpose death penalty on drug traffickers was the first bill to be filed at the House of Representatives on Thursday.
At the opening of the filing of bills and resolutions in the incoming 17th Congress, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon filed House Bill No. 1 seeking amend to Section 1 of Republic Act 9346, or an act prohibiting the imposition of death penalty in the Philippines.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as soon as he assumed office, asked lawmakers to prioritize the passage of the death penalty for certain crimes, such as illegal drugs, gun-for-hire syndicates and heinous crimes such as rape and robbery.
“Filing ahead will give the bill a headstart in being referred to the committees, and hopefully, be taken up ahead in the agenda,” Biazon said.
The proposal for the country’s shift to a federalism type of government was also filed at the House by Negros Occidental Rep. Albee Benitez.
Benitez’s resolution sought to convene Congress into a Constituent Assembly to introduce revisions and or amendments to the 198 Constitution.
“There have been clamor for change in the system of government, shift to a federal form of government, provision of more autonomy and empowerment of the local government , less restrictive economic policies and other proposals that necessitate changes in the present Constitution,” Benitez said.
It proposes that Congress shall create a “Council of Elders” composed of not less than 20 members coming from different sectors, inlcuding but not limited to religious, non-government organizations, urban poor, business, academe, former justices, to serve as council of experts to provide inputs to Congress in drafting the revisions to the Constitution.
The Duterte administration is pushing for a change in government as this would allow the much needed development for the country, especially the countryside.
At least 90 congressmen have filed their bills and resolutions on the first day of filing Thursday.
Each congressman is allowed to file five bills and two resolutions on the first round; and may file additional measures on the second round or as soon as all the lawmakers who are on the list have been accommodated.
Apart from death penalty and the Charter Change bills, the proposed legalization of medical marijuana of Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III was also refiled.
The bill, known as the “Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act” had been filed in the last 16th Congress but never reached the first base due to stiff opposition from various sectors, inlcuding Malacanang then.
If passed into law, Albano said the bill will benefit thousands of patients in the country suffering from serious and debilitating diseases.
“The objective is for patients to have access to safe, affordable, available medical cannabis prescribed by a registered physician,” Albano said.